Unpacking the biggest tech hits and misses of the year
Welcome to the end of another year in technology! As we bid farewell to 2021, it’s time to reflect on the biggest tech hits and misses that shaped the industry this year. From revolutionary products and game-changing advancements to unexpected flops and controversies, the tech world has seen it all. So, let’s unpack the biggest tech hits and misses of the year and see what lessons the industry can learn from them.
The Hits:
1. The Rise of 5G:
One of the biggest tech hits of the year has been the widespread adoption of 5G technology. With lightning-fast speeds and low latency, 5G has enabled advancements in various industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation. Despite the initial skepticism surrounding its implementation, 5G has proven to be a crucial foundation for future innovations.
2. The Breakthrough of Artificial Intelligence:
Artificial intelligence (AI) has continued to impress this year with its rapid development across industries. From chatbots and virtual assistants to self-driving cars and personalized recommendations, AI has become an integral part of our daily lives. With its potential to automate complex tasks and improve efficiency, AI has undoubtedly been a hit in the tech world this year.
3. The Launch of iPhone 13:
Apple’s annual product launch event is always highly anticipated, and this year was no exception. The iPhone 13’s improved camera and battery life, along with its A15 Bionic chip, have won over both critics and consumers. The new lineup also includes the highly anticipated iPhone 13 Pro Max, with 1TB of storage and a ProMotion display. Despite the ongoing chip shortage and production delays, the iPhone 13 launch has been a major hit for Apple.
4. The Progression of Cryptocurrencies:
Cryptocurrencies have been making headlines all year, with Bitcoin reaching record highs and major companies like PayPal and Tesla accepting payments in cryptocurrency. The rise of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) has also sparked interest in the digital asset market, with the sale of a digital artwork for $69 million earlier this year. As more and more people invest in cryptocurrencies, it’s evident that they are here to stay and continue to revolutionize the way we think about money.
The Misses:
1. The Epic vs. Apple Legal Battle:
The ongoing legal battle between Epic Games and Apple has been one of the biggest tech misses of the year. The dispute began when Apple removed Fortnite from its App Store for violating in-app payment rules. This led to a back-and-forth between the two companies, with Epic filing antitrust lawsuits against Apple for its app store policies. As the case continues to unfold, both companies have faced criticism, and it remains to be seen who will come out on top.
2. The Failure of Quibi:
Quibi, the short-form streaming service that aimed to revolutionize the entertainment industry, shut down after just six months of operation. Despite securing massive funding and attracting top Hollywood talent, Quibi failed to gain traction with consumers. The pandemic may have played a role in its downfall, but the streaming platform’s lack of unique content and confusing business model ultimately led to its demise.
3. The Disappointing Performance of Cyberpunk 2077:
One of the most highly anticipated games of the year, Cyberpunk 2077, failed to meet expectations upon its release. The game was plagued by bugs and technical issues, especially on older generation consoles. As a result, the game’s developer, CD Projekt Red, faced backlash from both players and investors. The game’s performance has raised questions about the rushed development process and lack of transparency from the company.
4. The Setback in Facial Recognition Technology:
In a year where technology played a crucial role in enforcing COVID-19 safety measures, facial recognition technology faced a major setback. Many studies revealed the built-in biases of this technology, leading to concerns about privacy and discrimination. As a result, numerous cities and states implemented bans or restrictions on the use of this technology in law enforcement, putting a halt to its progress and development.
The Lessons Learned:
As we look back at the year in tech, it’s evident that there have been both hits and misses. From the continued progress of 5G and AI to the controversies and failures, one thing is certain – technology is constantly evolving, and with it comes ups and downs. However, these hits and misses also serve as valuable lessons for the industry. It’s essential to prioritize transparency, diversity and inclusion, and ethical responsibility while pushing for innovation.
As we head into a new year, let’s take these lessons and strive for a tech world that is not just revolutionary, but also mindful and responsible.
